Begin at Windy Point parking area, and proceed north down the switchbacks. Immediately before the first fence, turn right and follow the logging road to Cochetopa Pass. For this trail, turn left and ride/hike west on NN 14 until you reach Archuleta Creek. Turn left across the creek and follow this road uphill through a gate. Take your first left and follow this road through two gates, then downhill to Jake's Creek Road. Turn left and go uphill past a fence. Proceed up the switchback to the parking area.

Once you reach Cochetopa Pass (3.2 miles) the historical markers along the Continental Divide give a sense of history to the trail. Follow NN 14 downhill, but watch your speed as the turns come quickly. Once across Archuleta Creek, the trail is a bit overgrown and can sometimes be difficult to see. If you follow the signs, maps, and directions carefully through, you should not have a problem.

About 8 miles into the trail you will ride/hike through meadows filled with beautiful wildflowers. Along these meadows are several unmarked trails. Stay on the main trail (there will be signs) because these old routes are not mapped. Trail has challenging terrain with pretty rough surfaces. At certain times of the year gates are closed across the trail; please close them behind you.

Directions from Saguache, Colorado: Follow Colorado Highway 114 west for 20.0 miles to County Road NN 14. Turn left down this road and follow six miles to Windy Point. There is a designated parking area that will access Luders Creek Trail and Archuleta Creek Trail.

Seasonal Information:
Normally Open:
May through October .

Current Conditions & Trip Reports

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Recreation Opportunities

Activity

Remarks

On Site

History

Historical markers along Continental Divide

Yes

Hiking & Walking

Archuleta Creek Trail

Yes

Viewing Interpretive Signs

Historical markers along Continental Divide

Yes

Mountain Biking

Challenging terrain

Yes

Viewing Scenery

Beautiful wildflowers

Yes

Related Activities

Big Meadows Reservoir - Rainbow trout, brook trout and some native cutthroat trout are in the reservoir. There is ample parking and turn around space and a paved boat ramp at the north end. Boating is suitable for rafts to small motor boats.

Buffalo Pass Campground - The campground is near dirt Forest Roads 791 and 792. It is also an area for big game hunting.

Luder's Creek Trail - You will reach Cochetopa Pass 3.2 miles from the parking area. Turn left over the cattle guard and ride 50 feet and you will see the historical marker bearing the old stage route and elevation.

Luders Creek Campground - The road leading to the campground is itself of historical significance. It was one of the famous toll roads leading west from Saguache built by Otto Mears.